When I turned 39 this past year, I took a good hard look at myself and was not happy. I was the most overweight and out of shape I have ever been, and it was having a negative impact on every aspect of my life. I decided there wasn’t a chance I was going to enter my 40’s this way. After 20 years of ignoring my fitness, I had reached my limit. So I decided to make a big change. I contacted Crossfit ABV and scheduled a time to come in and talk to Alex. We talked about my goal of weight loss, increasing my fitness, and becoming the role model that my two little girls deserved. I signed up for elements immediately.

Doing one on one sessions is one thing. Joining a class is another. I was petrified of walking into a group of incredible athletes that were, without a doubt, on a much higher fitness level than I was. I was embarrassed and didn’t want all eyes on me if I couldn’t handle the workout. Coach Theresa said the one thing I needed to hear, “All you need to do is show up. We will handle the rest.” I dove in, if not reluctantly. I am so glad that I did.

As Carrie Fisher said, “Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.” I was scared to death of failing and of being embarrassed by my lack of fitness, but I did it anyway. Day after day, regardless of the workout, I showed up. I signed up a week in advance and committed to not cancelling even if the workout seemed impossible or was something I hated (I’m looking at you burpees!). I started with three sessions a week. I upped it to 4 days in my second month. I am now a Monday-Friday girl. I actually look forward to the WOD and the soreness that follows. It means I have really pushed myself! Tracking my progress on ‘beyond the whiteboard’ has also been incredible. It is amazing to look back at where I started to where I am now. For the first time in a very long time, I am proud of myself. I haven’t reached my goal yet, but the change I have seen in my body, my endurance, and my strength has been incredible. For the first time in my life, I am completely hooked and committed to a fitness program.

I cannot thank the 8:30am crew that is at Crossfit ABV enough. They have no idea how much they have motivated me and inspired me. The have cheered me on when I didn’t think I could finish. They congratulated my progress. They made me want to be like them. Most importantly, they didn’t look at me like an out of place fat girl when I started. They acted like they were glad I was there and welcomed me. They can’t imagine the impact that had. I will be forever grateful for their support.

Coaches Alex, Theresa, and Charles have changed my life. They push me to my limit every single day. They never make me feel like scaling is a failure. They remind me of my progress and what a change they have seen since day one. They provide support, guidance, motivation, and the push I need to move to the next level. They are that little voice in my head that encourages me when I think I can’t make it...or sometimes that loud voice shouting in my ear that I’ve got this when I am on the verge of collapsing during a WOD! They (and the other coaches that I haven’t yet worked with) make Crossfit ABV what it is, an incredibly supportive and motivating community.

It can be very intimidating to start something new, especially when you have really let yourself go as I did. You need to set your pride and/or shame aside and remind yourself that the only person you are doing this for is you. I can guarantee that no one at ABV is laughing at how crap your burpees are, how slow you are running, or how little weight you are putting on the bar. They are focused on their own goals, and they want you to reach yours. So do it. Scare the hell out of yourself by trying something completely out of your comfort zone. Make the commitment to yourself. If you are reading this and are embarrassed by your current weight or fitness level, just come. I will stand next to you and cheer you on, and so will every other member of this amazing ABV community.